What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. An outbreak is occurring around the world in areas where monkeypox is not usually found. Previously, monkeypox was found mainly in Central and West Africa, often in forested areas. People infected with monkeypox develop a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and the rash may be painful or itchy.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itch that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The illness typically lasts 2–4 weeks.
How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
Contact with respiratory secretions from someone with monkeypox.
Direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including: Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with monkeypox,Hugging, massage, and kissing,Prolonged face-to-face contact, Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.
It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals if they are scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Who is at risk?
Anyone in close contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves. Travelers who plan to attend gatherings that may place them in close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox may be at higher risk of getting infected.
People who care for someone who has monkeypox without wearing gloves and a well-fitting mask are also more likely to get infected. Travelers such as veterinarians and wildlife professionals may be at risk if they work with infected animals.
What can travelers do to prevent Monkeypox?
Travelers can protect themselves against infection by taking the following steps.
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used. Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox. Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.
What should you do if you develop monkeypox symptoms?
If you have symptoms of monkeypox or had close contact with someone who has monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have symptoms, do not travel until you confirm you do not have monkeypox.
You can get more training from RCL Safety Centre thru https: www.safetycentre.ng/training_register
At RCL Safety Centre this training is also available in different Nigerian languages like PIDGIN,YORUBA,HAUSA AND IGBO
Our company (RCL Safety Centre) is an indigenous company dedicated to Health, Safety and Environment Training and Services.
We are technical partners of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) as well as approved training partners of most major International Occupational Safety and Health organizations like NEBOSH, and corporate members of ISPON (Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria) with thousands of personnel trained in various areas till date.
For more information visit our website: www.safetycentre.ng
Email: sale@safetycentre.ng or mma@safetycentre.ng
Contact us on: 08099700070, 09057666623 or 08164363532